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I’ve been a Sirius satellite subscriber for 6 years or so. Music is constantly on all day and even though there are hundreds of stations, I tend to listen to the same 10 or so. Now and then, I’ll flip it to something off the wall to break up the routine, but after a day or so, it usually goes back to the regulars… The 60’s, The 70’s, Vinyl, The Vault, The Blues channel, Springsteens channel, The Coffee House, and a few other pop/rock stations. Now and then, Big Band music will find it’s way in as well as early Jazz.

I began hearing a song last summer on one of the rock stations that perked my ears, kind of mellow for awhile but then kicks in full force. Very nice voice on the mellow side and a solid rocker on the harder side of the song. I soon found out that it was a singer/songwriter named Brandi Carlile, an artist I hadn’t heard of to that point. The song I kept hearing is called ‘The Story”. I still hear it now and then, but I wanted more of that song so off to the big box music store I went. I picked up a copy and stuck it in the car player before I left the parking lot. Comes to be, I’ve heard about 6 more songs that are on the record that I didn’t even realize that it was Brandi. Best of all, they were excellent songs. I’ve listened to the CD a dozen times in the last month. Harmonies are just great, I love good vocals. The Indigo Girls are featured on the song ‘Cannon Ball’ and it really stands out.

I always read the record credits, many times finding musicians I am familiar with. This was the case with Brandi’s cd. The producer is T Bone Burnett. T Bone has been around quite a while, and though not a house hold name, he has done music that everyone has heard at one point or another. He produced the soundtrack for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, taking home 4 Grammies for the record. He produced the first Counting Crows CD… in my opinion one of the Top 10 records ever release by a new band, and recently produced the new Robert Plant/Allison Krause record (and currently on tour with them). A nice track record no doubt.

I moved on toward the musician credits, the only one I knew of was drummer Matt Chamberlain. Matt has recorded 100’s of records and is one of the most in demand drummers today. He also toured with Pearl Jam and Tori Amos, and was the house drummer for the Sat. Night Live band for one season. He just happened to play on another favorite of mine, Jon McLaughlin’s debut “Indiana”. Matt’s playing on the Brandi record is great, a most solid groove that reminds me of the late Al Jackson. A bit behind the beat and FAT. He pushes it where needed, but always returns to that big back beat. A hired hand, but he sounds like he’s part of the band and has a money stake on his performance. 2 Kudos for him! For more info on Matt, his website is www.mattchamberlain.com.

Summer’s about here, with lots of bands on the road. Ticket cost are high (as well as gas and food), but there are bands out there that fit any budget. Short on cash… many restaurants have solo acts for the evenings entertainment. A few dollars in the tip bucket won’t break you and if you’re like most working musicians, it’s much appreciated. Many medium size acts can be had for as little as $20. I went to the Cracker show last week and that’s what the tickets were. An 800 seat theater meant a good view from anywhere, good sound, and a very enjoyable night of rock and roll. If you’re budget is within the means, by George, go to The Eagles show. Whether you are of a small budget or large, there’s live music that needs our support. More on this soon…

play hard and stay CLASSIC!
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
The new issue of CLASSIC DRUMMER magazine has been mailed. Please allow a couple of weeks for subscribers to receive their issue as they are mailed bulk from our printer. The music stores as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders Bookstores should be receiving their copies within the next two weeks as well.

This issue features the great Carl Palmer. Palmer is currently touring with the supergroup, Asia, with all the original members of the band. Look for them in your town and be sure to catch a great concert with some of the best musicians ever. Also in this issue of the magazine is Corky Laing from the rock band Mountain. Laing recorded one of the most recognizable drum intro songs of the ’70s… Mississippi Queen. Myself, as I’m sure many of you, have played this song many a times. Still one of the great cowbell songs out there. As we dig deeper into the mag, we also feature Rick Faucher, one of the hardest working drum techs ever. Faucher has worked with such great drummers as Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer, as well as modifying and building drums for Ringo Starr, Karen Carpenter, Jim Keltner, and Joe Pollard. A CLASSIC DRUMMER exclusive! More articles include Nashville’s Terry Lee Bolton, Backtracks with Pete Thompson, and Tour Tales with Jason Bonham.

Don’t forget, the Chicago Vintage Drum Show is fast approaching. Hope to see many of you there, do stop by the booth to say hi as well as pick up the new (and old) issues of the mag. Visit www.rebeats.com for more show info. Visit us also at www.myspace.com/classicdrummermagazine. We update it daily with birthdays and music history events. For all your drum book needs, don’t forget the CLASSIC DRUMMER BOOKSTORE, all titles are 10% off list price… everyday!

Play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

Hi Drumheads,
Well at least I caught your attention with the subject title, but no, I have no plan on talking about April 15th and the taxes we all pay! So let’s move on….

I was hoping to keep the blog updated in a more timely manner, but I’ve let it fall behind for a bit. The magazine is about ready to go to the printer, just a couple of last minute ad inclusions and slight rearranging to make it all lay out and fit nicely. This issue is a gang buster, Carl Palmer of the super group ASIA as well as a founding member of Emerson Lake and Palmer. With ASIA now on tour with all the original members, this issue will be a burner! Also in the issue is Mr. Cowbell himself, Corky Laing of MOUNTAIN. All you classic rockers have heard and most likely played “Mississippi Queen” and now Corky will let you know where that famous cowbell is at today. A much anticipated article by many of you who have wanted him in the mag for awhile. And where would a classic drummer be without a classic drum tech. “Drum Tech of the Stars” Rick Faucher makes it into this issue of CLASSIC DRUMMER MAGAZINE. Rick has tech’d for star drummers, Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, and many of the classic drummers who are music history. Find out how he started his tech career and read the insight on working with these great drummers. And there’s more but you’ll have to pick up a copy to get it all (or if you’re a subscriber, it’ll be arriving at your doorsteps shortly).

As I normally do more of the “behind the door’ stuff for the mag, the last couple of weeks have been fun as I’ve had the opportunity to talk with a couple of drummers whom I really enjoy listening to as well as admiring for the long careers they’ve had and continue to really love making music. Doug Clifford, the beat behind the classic band Creedence Clearwater Revival and now Creedence Clearwater Revisited has been a favorite of many drummers including myself. I met Doug a number of years ago when we first started the magazine and he has been one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met… famous or not! I recently contacted Doug in reference to getting a photo pass for one of their concerts. He made it possible for a contributing photographer/writer for the magazine to have a full access photo pass, not only for the normal first three songs, but for the entire show! As the class act Doug is, he took it himself to change the rule for one night. It’s always a pleasure to talk with Doug. He gives it his all in everything he does, and is always out to satisfy the audience. Thanks for everything, Doug!

Another recent phone call was to drummer Joe Vitale. Joe’s list of credits are mind blowing! ‘Rocky Mountain Way’, ‘Life’s Been Good’, tons of CSN & Y, as well as The Eagles and countless others. Joe has a solo record that will be release shortly, so we’re trying like heck to get the ball rolling to get him some print in the mag. He’s been working on it for quite a while, and from listening to the songs on his myspace page, this record will rock. Do stop by his website (he’s in our TOP FRIENDS list on our myspace page) and drop him a note, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. Also look for him on tour this summer behind Crosby, Stills, and Nash. We do wish him much success with the record and tour. Thanks Joe, for giving us a bit of your time… I’d love to sit with you and pick your brain on all the tours and records you’ve done. Thanks for the music!

Thanks for reading…
Play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce

Mr. William F. Ludwig II, The Chief, has left us, passing away on Saturday, March 22nd. The is a very sad moment for the Ludwig family, as well as thousands of drummers spread across the world. Our condolences go out to Bill Ludwig III and all the Ludwig family in this time of sorrow.

I first met Mr. Ludwig at the 1st Atlanta Drum Show, which we had organized and sponsored. This was before Classic Drummer, or Vintage Drummer as it was originally called, was published. The year, 1999. I recall meeting Mr. Ludwig the evening before the show as many of the dealers were setting up. This was all still new to me as far as drum shows, etc., and getting to meet someone who influenced and changed the drum industry was not something I would say was normal by any means. Mr. Ludwig hung around for a bit, talking will all who were setting up for the show and posing for pictures. The following day he attended the show and throughout the day, long lines were formed with people wanting autographs and pictures with The Chief. This was not only for our show, but as many of you know, every show Mr. Ludwig attended, people loved to meet him as well as he loved meeting the people who loved drums. It was an honor to have him at the Atlanta shows, and always a thrill to see him at PASIC and The Chicago Drum Show. He will be missed by all.

Thank you Mr. Ludwig for not only the wonderful memories, but for the work you did in promoting and advancing drums and drumming. For all of you who would like to learn more about Mr. Ludwig, I strongly recommend the book, “The Making of a Drum Company, The Autobiography of William F. Ludwig II”.

Please keep all the Ludwig family in your thoughts and prayers. To all the Ludwig drum players, I ask you to sit high on your throne for your next gig and give it your best for The Chief. Without him, chances are you would not be playing this classic drum. Hail to The Chief!

play hard and stay CLASSIC,
Bruce